Guarantee and warranty: What is the difference? (FAQ 6)

Are you wondering what the difference is between a guarantee and a warranty? The statutory warranty (Gewährleistung) is legally mandated and protects you if your new e-bike has defects. A guarantee (Garantie) is provided voluntarily by the manufacturer and can offer additional security. These differences are important because they affect your rights when making a purchase. The following table shows how relevant this topic is when buying an e-bike:

Key Insights

• The statutory warranty is legally required and protects buyers for two years in the event of defects in the e-bike.

• The guarantee is a voluntary service provided by the manufacturer and can offer additional security, though terms vary.

• Keep all invoices and documents to make it easier to prove your claims in case of defects.

• In the first twelve months after purchase, the seller must prove that no defect existed; thereafter, the burden of proof lies with the buyer.

• Inform yourself about the guarantee conditions to know which parts are covered and which are not.

Difference between guarantee and warranty

Clear definitions

Do you want to know exactly what guarantee and warranty mean? Here you will find the most important terms explained simply:

The warranty ensures your legal rights if your product is faulty. The guarantee is a voluntary promise that can provide you with additional security.

Legal vs. voluntary service

You can easily recognize the difference by looking at the origin of the rights:

• The warranty is always legally mandated. It applies automatically to every purchase.

• The guarantee is voluntary. It depends on the manufacturer or retailer and can vary.

Tip: You can always exercise your warranty rights, regardless of whether a guarantee exists or not.

Significance for consumers

It is important for you as a buyer to know both terms. They determine what rights you have in the event of a defect.

• The warranty provides you with security through the law.

• The guarantee can offer you additional benefits, but it is not mandatory.

• You can assert warranty claims regardless of a guarantee.

• The terms of the guarantee are set by the manufacturer. They may be limited.

With this knowledge, you can better assess what rights you have when buying and how you can use them if a problem occurs.

Warranty (Gewährleistung)

Legal basis

The warranty protects you as a buyer. It is laid down in the German Civil Code (BGB). You can find the most important sections here:

You have the right to defect-free goods. If your e-bike has a defect, you can fall back on legal rules. The law gives you clear claims against the seller.

Duration and rights

The statutory warranty applies to new products for two years from the date of purchase. For used goods, the period can be reduced to one year if you agree to this at the time of purchase.

1. For new goods: Two-year warranty.

2. For used goods: One year, if agreed.

During this time, you can demand the following:

• Repair of the defect

• Replacement delivery

• Reduction of the purchase price

• Withdrawal from the contract if the defect is not remedied

In the first twelve months after purchase, the seller must prove that the e-bike was in order at the time of handover. After one year, the burden of proof lies with you.

Tip: Always keep your invoice and all documents safe. This makes it easier to prove your claims.

Contact person and burden of proof

Your first point of contact is always the seller from whom you bought the e-bike. This also applies if you bought it from a dealer. In the case of private purchases, the warranty can be excluded.

• You must prove that the defect was already present at the time of purchase.

• In the first twelve months, the reversal of the burden of proof helps you: The seller must prove that no defect was present.

• After twelve months, you must prove the defect yourself.

• Written notification of defects is useful.

• You should always keep invoices and receipts.

With these rules, the warranty protects you when buying and gives you security in case of problems with your e-bike.

Guarantee (Garantie)

Voluntary additional service

A guarantee is a voluntary service provided by the manufacturer or retailer. You receive it in addition to the statutory warranty. Many e-bike companies offer you a guarantee to give you more security when buying. The guarantee covers certain parts and functions that the manufacturer defines itself.

Some well-known e-bike manufacturers in Germany offer you various guarantees:

• Haibike: 5-year guarantee on the frame, 2 years on the motor, 6 months on the battery.

• Kalkhoff: 2-year warranty on the frame, 10-year guarantee upon registration, 2 years on the motor and battery.

• Cube: 5-6 year guarantee on the frame, 2 years on the motor and battery.

• Flyer: 10-year guarantee on the frame, 5 years on the motor, 2 years on the battery.

• Focus: Information on the guarantee is incomplete.

You benefit from a guarantee if the manufacturer offers you longer protection than the law. The guarantee is always voluntary and can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Conditions and scope

The guarantee only applies under certain conditions. You often have to register your e-bike to activate the guarantee. Many manufacturers require regular maintenance work. Wear parts such as brakes or tires are usually excluded. The guarantee does not cover damage caused by improper use or modifications. Theft of the e-bike is also not covered by the guarantee.

• Registration of the e-bike is often mandatory.

• Maintenance must be performed regularly.

• Wear parts are excluded.

• Improper use or modifications lead to exclusion.

• Theft is not covered.

Note: Always read the guarantee conditions carefully. This way you know which services you can expect.

Duration and claim

The duration of a guarantee varies depending on the manufacturer and product. For e-bikes, you often find different guarantee periods for the frame, motor, and battery. Some manufacturers even offer a lifetime guarantee on the frame.

Other manufacturers give you several years of guarantee on various components. You can only use the guarantee within the specified time. The conditions and scope are defined in the guarantee contract. You should keep the documents carefully so that you can act quickly in the event of a guarantee claim.

Guarantee and warranty for e-bikes

Typical problems with e-bikes

Have you bought an e-bike and want to know what problems can occur? Many buyers report defects in the motor, difficulties with the battery, or damage to the frame. The display, gears, and sensors also sometimes show malfunctions. The charging port, lights, and brakes are also among the parts frequently affected.

• Defective motors

• Problems with the battery

• Damage to the frame

• Defects in the display

• Defects in the gears

• Malfunctions in the sensors

• Defects in the freewheel

• Defects in the charging port

• Defects in the lights

• Defects in the brakes

"A growing portion of technical problems reported by customers are due to user errors and not design or manufacturing defects. Especially with e-bikes, wear and tear is a significant issue."

Many manufacturers store temperature data when charging the battery and document the power output. They recognize tuning attempts and can exclude these. The guarantee often only covers certain damage that does not arise from improper use.

What consumers should note

You should carefully check the terms and conditions for guarantees and warranties when buying an e-bike. The statutory warranty is valid for two years from the date of purchase. The dealer is liable for defects, especially in the first twelve months. The guarantee is a voluntary service provided by the manufacturer and can be linked to conditions such as maintenance requirements or mileage limits.

Many guarantees are only valid for the original owner. The manufacturer is allowed to provide equivalent replacement, even in a different color. You should document all defects immediately. Photos and videos help you prove the condition of your e-bike.

1. Communicate with the dealer politely and describe the defect accurately.

2. Use template letters for complaints.

3. Do not be fobbed off; the dealer must react and offer a solution.

The dealer is your contact person for the statutory warranty. For guarantees, the manufacturer often handles the processing. You should keep the documents carefully and know the conditions. This way you protect your rights when buying an e-bike.

Differences at a glance

Duration

The duration of a guarantee and warranty differs significantly. You can find the most important information in this table:

The statutory warranty is always valid for two years. The manufacturer's guarantee can be longer or shorter. Some manufacturers even offer a lifetime guarantee on certain parts. You should read the guarantee terms carefully so that you know how long you are protected.

Legal basis

The legal basis shows you where your rights come from:

• Statutory warranty (Gewährleistung): Legally mandated. You are automatically entitled to a claim if your e-bike is defective.

• Manufacturer's guarantee (Garantie): Voluntary service. The manufacturer or retailer decides whether and for how long to provide a guarantee.

• Subsequent performance (Nacherfüllung): The seller must repair or replace the defective goods. You can choose which you prefer.

• Statute of limitations: Your statutory warranty rights expire after two years. For used e-bikes, the period can be reduced to one year.

You can rely on the statutory warranty. The guarantee is an extra that can offer you more security.

Contact persons

Are you wondering who to contact? Here you will find the most important information:

• The retailer is your first point of contact for statutory warranty claims.

• For guarantee claims, you can contact the manufacturer or the retailer.

• You do not have to ask the manufacturer first. You can assert your statutory warranty rights directly with the retailer.

• The statutory warranty applies regardless of any guarantee.

You should always speak to the retailer if you discover a defect. For guarantee questions, the manufacturer often provides further help.

Burden of proof

The burden of proof is regulated differently for the manufacturer's guarantee and the statutory warranty. The table shows the most important differences:

In the first twelve months after purchase, the retailer must prove that your e-bike was in good condition at the time of delivery. After one year, you must prove the defect yourself. With the manufacturer's guarantee, the manufacturer determines the conditions. You should always keep the documents so that you can act quickly in the event of a problem.

You can see the difference: The statutory warranty protects you by law for two years, while the manufacturer's guarantee offers you voluntary additional protection. When buying an e-bike, you should keep all receipts, contact the retailer, and handle complaints in a structured manner. Your knowledge of both terms will help you better assert your rights. For further support, you can find help at advisory centers such as the consumer advice centers (Verbraucherzentrale) in Baden-Württemberg or Lower Saxony.

FAQ

What is the difference between a manufacturer's guarantee and a statutory warranty?

The statutory warranty is legally mandated. It protects you in the event of product defects. The manufacturer's guarantee is a voluntary additional service provided by the manufacturer. It often offers you longer or extended protection.

What does "reversal of the burden of proof" mean for the statutory warranty?

In the first twelve months after purchase, the retailer must prove that there was no defect. After one year, you as the buyer must prove that the defect was already present at the time of purchase.

What does an e-bike guarantee usually cover?

The guarantee often covers the frame, motor, and battery. Wear and tear parts such as brakes or tires are usually excluded. Read the guarantee conditions carefully so that you know what is protected.

What should you do if there is a defect in the e-bike?

Report the defect to the retailer immediately. Keep receipts and documents. Document the damage with photos. This makes it easier for you to enforce your rights.